Cleveland's starting pitchers have been particularly ineffective, with starters accounting for only 39% of the team's postseason innings.

Alex Cobb, who was acquired mid-season, faced injury setbacks that prompted roster changes ahead of the playoffs.

In contrast, Matthew Boyd, a left-handed starter for the Guardians, made a successful postseason debut in 2024 after recovering from Tommy John surgery, contributing to a crucial win against the Yankees.

The close matchups between teams and the short series format lead to small sample sizes, intensifying the pressure on players.

Statistical analysis reveals a decreasing consistency in player usage between the regular season and postseason over the years.

These evolving postseason strategies raise philosophical questions about how the playoff approach differs from that of the regular season.

Recent trends in Major League Baseball have seen teams increasingly rely on less familiar players in crucial postseason roles, reflecting a significant shift in strategies.

This approach indicates a growing focus on the immediate effectiveness of players during the playoffs, rather than their historical performance in the regular season.

Consequently, the average postseason roster now includes a higher percentage of players who had minimal playing time during the regular season.

A prime example of this strategy is the Cleveland Guardians, who adapted their lineup due to injuries and performance issues.

Throughout the postseason, the Guardians' starting rotation struggled, leading to many regular-season starters being demoted or left off the roster.

Injuries and player fatigue further complicate the unpredictability of playoff performance, making it difficult to anticipate outcomes.